4 28 25 City Council Proceedings Official Special
CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
SPECIAL SESSION
OFFICIAL
The Dubuque City Council met in special session at 6:30 p.m. on April 28, 2025 , in the
second-floor Council Chambers of the Historic Federal Building, 350 W. 6th Street.
Present: Mayor Cavanagh; Council Members Farber, Jones, Resnick, Roussell,
Sprank, Wethal; City Manager Van Milligen (attended virtually), City Attorney Brumwell
(attended virtually).
Mayor Cavanagh read the call and stated this is a special session of the City Council
called for the purpose of adopting the Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Budget and Five-Year
Capital Improvement Program.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Amended Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Recommendation : Motion by Jones to receive
and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 144 -25 Adopting the City of Dubuque
Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Budget and Resolution No. 145-25 Adopting the City of Dubuque
Five Year Capital Improvement Program. Seconded by Sprank. During her presentation,
Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Larson shared that the City had been issued a termination
notice that day from the Federal Administration for a portion of its federal AmeriCorps
funding. However, due to limited information available currently, the potential impact on
the Fiscal Year 2026 budget remains unclear. She therefore recommended that the City
Council adopt the budget as presented. Clark Schloz, 2925 Burlington St., provided input
on the city’s budgeting process and tax rate. City Clerk Breitfelder announced written
input was received by Schloz, along with John Klostermann, 1755 Bristol Dr.; Tammy
Wehrspann, 1695 Avoca St.; Marc Onken, 2142 Seippel Rd.; Chris Miller, 2273 Southway
Dr.; Emma Chambers, 940 Kelly Ln.; Jennifer Chambers, 940 Kelly Ln.; Heather Rath,
15350 Wood Vale Ct.; Natalie Nemmers, 1290 Arrowhead Dr.; Jennifer Nielsen, 200
Fremont Ave.; Jeni Bormann, 1595 Kane; Blaine Nielsen, 200 Fremont Ave.; Kim Finn,
1490 Kaufmann Ave.; Jeff Ronek, 15618 White Oak Dr.; Kelly King, 11123 Hidden
Springs Ct.; Kelly Lemm, 2489 Hacidenda Dr.; Susan Kono, 82 Nevada St.; Amanda
Saylor, 2450 University Ave.; Mark Matel, 2059 Golden Eagle Dr.; and Jacob Mozena,
900 Jackson St. The amended Fiscal Year 2026 budget recommendation includes a
recurring $10,000 allocation for additional Airport advertising. In response to questions,
Larson explained that the balance between operating and capital budgets varies
depending on the capital projects proposed, but this year’s ratio of two -thirds operating
and one-third capital is about average for the City. City Council Members expressed
appreciation to staff for their efforts throughout the budget proces s, thanked residents for
their input, and identified potential focus areas for future goal -setting sessions. Council
Members also voiced disappointment regarding cuts to AmeriCorps funding. Mayor
Cavanagh requested that funding be identified to enable the Director of Strategic
Partnerships position to be filled before the originally proposed date of January 1 . Van
Milligen summarized the budgeting process and noted the city’s consistent record of
closing each fiscal year with a surplus. If Fiscal Year 2025 also ends with a surplus, some
of those funds could be used to accelerate hiring for the Director of Strategic Partnerships
position, enabling it to be filled before January 1. The city currently contracts with Teri
Goodmann, who previously held the position, for federal relations. The new Director
would collaborate with Goodmann while also developing state and loc al partnerships.
After discussion, Council Members agreed with Van Milligen’ s recommendation to adopt
the budget as proposed and to use any surplus funds from Fiscal Year 2025 to expedite
filling the position. Motion carried 7-0.
RESOLUTION NO. 144-25
ADOPTING THE CITY OF DUBUQUE FISCAL YEAR 2026 ANNUAL BUDGET
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. That the annual budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, as set forth
in the Adoption of Budget and Certification of Taxes and supporting state budget forms
showing the revenue estimates and appropriation expenditures and allocations to
programs and activities for said fiscal year, is adopted as amended.
Section 2. The Chief Financial Officer is directed to make the filings required by law.
Passed, approved and adopted this 28th day of April 2025.
Brad M. Cavanagh, Mayor
Attest: Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk
RESOLUTION NO. 145-25
ADOPTING THE CITY OF DUBUQUE FIVE YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM
Whereas, a recommended five-year Capital Improvement Program for the period
beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2030, for the City of Dubuque has been
prepared and submitted to the City Council; and
Whereas, the five-year Capital Improvement Program describes specific capital
improvement projects, provides estimated costs for those projects, proposes sources of
funds for each of them, and schedules the year during which each project will be
undertaken; and
Whereas, the capital improvement projects for the first year are included in the Fiscal
Year 2025 budget for the City of Dubuque; and
Whereas, the five-year Capital Improvement Program will be reconsidered annually by
the City Council and appropriately revised; and
Whereas, the adoption of the five-year Capital Improvement Program is a prudent
measure to provide continuity of programs and is in the best interest of the City of
Dubuque.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. That the five-year Capital Improvement Program for the period beginning
July 1, 2025, set out in the Fiscal Year 2026 -2030 Recommended Capital Improvement
Budget, is hereby approved and adopted as allocation of City resources for capital
improvements as scheduled in the years shown, subject to annual review and revision.
Passed, approved and adopted this 28th day of April 2025.
Brad M. Cavanagh, Mayor
Attest: Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk
ACTION ITEMS
1. Establishing Water Utility Rates for Fiscal Year 2026: Motion by Jones to receive
and file the documents and that the requirement that a proposed ordinance be considered
and voted on for passage at two Council meetings prior to the meeting at which it is to be
passed be suspended. Seconded by Resnick. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion by Jones for final consideration and passage of Ordinance No. 10 -25
Establishing City Of Dubuque Code Of Ordinances Title 13 Public Utilities, Chapter 1
Water Use And Service, Article C Rates, Section 13 -1C-1(A) Fixing Water Rates For
Residential, Commercial, Industrial, And All Other Uses and Ordinance No. 11-25 City Of
Dubuque Code Of Ordinances Title 13 Public Utilities, Chapter 2 Sewers And Sewage
Disposal, Article C Rates, Section 13-2C-3 Rates Established For Fiscal Year 2026.
Seconded by Resnick. Motion carried 7-0.
ORDINANCE NO. 10-25
ESTABLISHING CITY OF DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES TITLE 13 PUBLIC
UTILITIES, CHAPTER 1 WATER USE AND SERVICE, ARTICLE C RATES, SECTION
13-1C-1(A) FIXING WATER RATES FOR RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL,
INDUSTRIAL, AND ALL OTHER USES
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. Section 13-1C-1(A) of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances, is hereby
unchanged, and shall read as follows:
Section 13-1C-1A: Residential, Commercial, Industrial and All Other Uses.
A. Rates Established: The rates to be charged for water for residential, commercial,
industrial and all other uses and purposes by any person, firm or corporation within
the city shall be based on units of one hundred cubic feet (748 gallons) or per gallon
as follows:
Monthly Consumption (in Hundreds of Cubic
Feet)
Charge per Hundred Cubic Feet
First 30 $5.35
Next 120 $4.35
Next 350 $4.04
Next 500 $3.56
Over 1,000 $3.16
Monthly Consumption (in Gallons) Charge per Gallon
First 22,440 $0.00710
Next 89,760 $0.00582
Next 261,800 $0.00542
Next 374,000 $0.00479
Over 748,000 $0.00419
Rates shall be subject to the following minimum monthly charge according to the size
of the meter:
Meter Size - Inches Monthly Consumption - (In
Hundreds of Cubic Feet)
Monthly Consumption - (In
Gallons)
Minimum Charge
5/8 2 1,496 $10.62
3/4 5 3,740 $26.55
1 8 5,984 $42.49
1 1/2 26 19,448 $138.08
2 46 34,408 $244.30
3 106 79,288 $562.94
4 168 125,664 $892.21
6 368 275,264 $1,954.37
8 625 467,500 $3,319.25
A property owner shall pay a $50.00 disconnect fee for water service that is
disconnected by the city for a meter not in service. When a tenant account is subject to
disconnection due to delinquency, the tenant shall pay the $50.00 disconnect fee.
A $50.00 service call fee shall be changed to property owners or tenant account for
those service calls that are determined to be related to customer negligence.
A $9.70 minimum monthly charge shall be assessed for meters not in service.
Section 2. This Ordinance shall take effect July 1, 2025.
Passed, approved and adopted this 28th day of April 2025.
Brad M. Cavanagh, Mayor
Attest: Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk
ORDINANCE NO. 11-25
ESTABLISHING THE CITY OF DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES TITLE 13 PUBLIC
UTILITIES CHAPTER 1 WATER USE AND SERVICE, ARTICLE C RATES SECTION
13-1C-2 FIXING WATER RATES FOR FIRE SPRINKLER SERVICE
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. Section 13-1C-2 of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances is hereby
unchanged, and shall read as follows:
Section 13-1C-2: Fire Sprinkler Service.
Customers who have fire sprinkler service shall be billed for this service on a monthly
basis. The monthly charge shall be as follows:
CURRENT NUMBER OF HEADS MONTHLY CHARGES
Up to 200 (minimum) $32.54
200-299 $39.05
300-399 $45.47
400-599 $52.06
600-799 $58.50
800 -999 $65.05
1,000 - 1,199 $71.58
1,200 - 1,399 $78.01
1,400 - 1,599 $84.53
1,600 - 1,799 $91.05
1,800 - 1,999 $97.49
2,000 - 2,199 $104.03
2,200 - 2,399 $110.53
2,400 - 2,599 $117.06
2,600 - 2,799 $123.54
2,800 - 2,900 $130.21
3,000 - 3,499 $136.53
Over 3,500* $6.49
*(for each additional 500 heads or fraction thereof)
Section 2. This Ordinance shall take effect July 1, 2025.
Passed, approved and adopted this 28th day of April 2025.
Brad M. Cavanagh, Mayor
Attest: Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk
2. Establishing Sanitary Sewer Utility Rates for Fiscal Year 2026 : Motion by Roussell
to receive and file the documents and that the requirement that a proposed ordinance be
considered and voted on for passage at two Council meetings prior to the meeting at
which it is to be passed be suspended. Seconded by Sprank. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion by Roussell for final consideration and passage of Ordinance No. 12 -25 City of
Dubuque Code of Ordinances Title 13 Public Utilities, Chapter 2 Sewers and Sewage
Disposal, Article C Rates, Section 13-2C-3 Rates Established for Fiscal Year 2026.
Seconded by Sprank. Motion carried 7-0.
ORDINANCE NO. 12-25
CITY OF DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES TITLE 13 PUBLIC UTILITIES,
CHAPTER 2 SEWERS AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL, ARTICLE C RATES, SECTION 13 -
2C-3 RATES ESTABLISHED FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. Section 13-2C-3 of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances reads as
follows:
13-2C-3: RATES ESTABLISHED:
Contributors whose property lies within the corporate limits of the city, except as
otherwise provided in this article, shall pay to the city at the same time payment for water
services is made, a sewer service charge computed on water consumption on the
following rates:
. . . .
B. Schedule Of Rates:
Rate per each 100 cubic feet $7.44
Rate per each gallon 0.00995
C. Service Charge:
. . . .
7. Where the quantity of water consumed is such that the minimum of service is
charged, the minimum sewer service charge, according to the size of the meter, shall be
as follows:
Meter Size
(Inches)
Minimum Charge Allowance (Cubic
Feet)
Allowance
(Gallons)
5/8 $14.90 200 1,496
3/4 $37.23 500 3,740
1 or larger $59.58 800 5,984
Section 2. This Ordinance shall take effect on the 1st day of July 2025. Passed,
approved, and adopted this 28th day of April 2025.
Brad M. Cavanagh, Mayor
Attest: Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk
3. Establishing Solid Waste Utility Rates for Fiscal Year 2026 : Motion by Jones to
receive and file the documents and that the requirement that a proposed ordinance be
considered and voted on for passage at two Council meetings prior to the meeting at
which it is to be passed be suspended. Seconded by Farber. Motion carried 7-0.
Motion by Jones for final consideration and passage of Ordinance No. 13-25 Amending
City Of Dubuque Code of Ordinances Title 13 Public Utilities, Chapter 6 Solid Waste.
Seconded by Sprank. Motion carried 7-0.
ORDINANCE NO. 13-25
AMENDING CITY OF DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES TITLE 13 PUBLIC
UTILITIES, CHAPTER 6 SOLID WASTE
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. Title 13, Chapter 6 of the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances is hereby
amended to read as follows:
13-6-1: DEFINITIONS: For the purpose of this chapter the following definitions shall
apply:
BUILDING MATERIALS: Any material such as lumber, floor coverings, brick, plaster,
sheet metal or any other substances accumulated as a result of repairs or additions
to existing buildings, construction of new buildings or demolition of existing
structures.
BULKY ITEM(S) Any items that do not fit into a city-issued refuse cart and that are
larger than three feet by two feet or weigh more than 40 pounds.
CLASS I PREMISES: Shall mean and include the following properties in the City of
Dubuque:
• Single-family dwellings.
• Multiple-family dwellings up to and including six (6) dwelling units.
• Dwelling units in business or commercial premises.
• Where two (2) or more laterally connected or joined dwelling units, including
condominiums, townhouses, and row houses, in which each dwelling unit has
separate access and utility service, each dwelling unit shall constitute a single -
family dwelling.
CLASS II PREMISES: Residential premises other than Class I residential premises,
located in the City of Dubuque, including:
• Dwellings in trailer courts;
• Schools, colleges, churches, convents, nursing homes, rooming houses and
other semiprivate institutions; and
• Multiple-family dwellings exceeding six (6) dwelling units.
CLASS III PREMISES: All business and commercial premises located in the City of
Dubuque, including that part of a residential premises with a business or commercial
use.
DWELLING: Shall mean and include any building or portion thereof containing one
or more dwelling units.
DWELLING UNIT: Shall mean and include one or more connected rooms having
complete kitchen facilities and arranged, designed, or used as living quarters for
one family only.
FOOD SCRAPS: Solid, semisolid, and liquid animal and vegetable residuals resulting
from the handling, preparing, cooking, storing, serving and consuming of food.
GARBAGE: All solid and semisolid, putrescible animal and vegetable wastes
resulting from the handling, preparing, cooking, storing, serving and consuming of
food or of material intended for use as food, and all offal, excluding useful industrial
byproducts, and shall include all such substances from all public and private
establishments and from all residences.
HAZARDOUS WASTES: Waste materials, including, but not limited to, poisons,
pesticides, herbicides, acids, caustics, biohazardous wastes, flammable or
explosive materials and similar harmful wastes which require special handling, and
which must be disposed of in such a manner as to conserve the environment and
protect the public health and safety.
ORGANIC WASTE: Any biodegradable waste material originating from plants,
animals, or other natural sources that can be decomposed or broken down into
simpler organic compounds through biological processes. This includes but is not
limited to food scraps, yard waste, paper products, and other biodegradable
materials. Organic waste does not include materials such as plastics, metals, or
glass which do not readily decompose under natural conditions.
OWNER: In addition to the record titleholder, any person residing in, renting, leasing,
occupying, operating, or transacting business in any premises and as between such
parties, the duties, responsibilities, liabilities, and obligations hereafter imposed
shall be joint and several.
PREMISES: A building or part of a building and its grounds located in the City of
Dubuque.
RECYCLABLE MATERIALS: Materials, as designated by the City of Dubuque and
set out in this chapter, which would otherwise become solid waste that can be
source separated, collected, processed, and returned to the economic stream in the
form of raw materials or products.
REFUSE: All landfilled material generated by occupiers of land within the City of
Dubuque corporate limits, whether recyclable or nonrecyclable material.
SOLID WASTE: Garbage, refuse, rubbish, recyclable materials, organic waste, and
other similar discarded solid or semisolid materials, including, but not limited to, such
materials resulting from industrial, commercial, agricultural, and domestic activities.
Solid waste does not include toxic or hazardous materials.
YARD WASTE: Organic materials generated from routine maintenance and
landscaping activities within residential, commercial, or public properties. This
includes grass clippings, leaves, branches, shrub trimmings, and other vegetative
matter originating from the maintenance of lawns, gardens, and outdoor
landscapes. Yard waste does not include materials such as soil, rocks, or
construction debris.
13-6-2. DEPOSITS ON OTHER PUBLIC OR PRIVATE PROPERTY:
A. Prohibition: No person shall throw, rake, deposit, dump, drop, spill or store (other
than the placement of containers for collection as provided herein) any solid waste or
toxic and hazardous wastes upon the streets, sidewalks, rights of way or any publ ic
or private property within the city.
B. Exception: This section shall not apply to junk dealers, auto salvage dealers,
pawnbrokers or secondhand dealers licensed under title 4, chapter 6 of this code.
13-6-2. WRAPPING AND DRAINING OF CERTAIN SOLID WASTES:
All solid waste consisting of waste animal and vegetable matter which may attract flies,
dogs, cats, rodents, and other animals shall be drained of all excess liquid, wrapped
in paper or disposable containers, and placed or stored, until collected, in cove red
suitable containers.
13-6-3. UNLAWFUL ACCUMULATIONS:
A. Health Or Sanitation Hazard: It shall be unlawful for any person to permit to
accumulate on any premises, improved or vacant, or on any public place in the city,
such quantities of solid waste, either in containers or not, that shall constitute a
health or sanitation hazard.
B. Storage Within Or Close To Buildings: It shall be unlawful for any person to
accumulate quantities of refuse, papers, garbage, ashes or other solid waste within
or close to any building in the city, unless the same is stored in containers in such a
manner as not to create a health or fire hazard.
13-6-4. STORAGE AND ACCUMULATION RESTRICTED:
A. Within the corporate limits of the city, all garbage or refuse consisting of waste
animal or vegetable matter upon which rats may feed, and all small dead animals,
shall be placed and stored until collected in covered metal containers of a type
prescribed by the health officer.
B. Dumping On Premises Or Waterways Prohibited: It is unlawful for any person to
dump or place on any premises, land or waterway, any dead animals, or any waste
vegetable or animal matter of any kind.
C. Providing Harborage For Rats: It shall be unlawful for any person to place, leave,
dump, or permit to accumulate any garbage, rubbish or trash in any building or on
any premises, improved or vacant, or on any open lot or alley in the city so that the
same shall or may afford food or harborage for rats.
D. Lumber And Boxes Placed On Elevated Racks: It shall be unlawful for any person
to permit to accumulate on any premises, improved or vacant, or on any open lot or
alley in the city any lumber, boxes, barrels, bottles, cans, containers or similar
material that may be permitted to remain thereon unless same shall be placed on
open racks that are elevated not less than eighteen inches (18") above the ground,
and evenly piled or stacked.
13-6-5. HAZARDOUS AND PROHIBITED WASTES REGULATED:
A. Deposits Prohibited Except For Special Collection: No person shall deposit in a
solid waste container or otherwise offer for city collection any hazardous wastes or
prohibited wastes, except when a special collection is established by the city
manager.
B. Transportation By Owner: Hazardous wastes and prohibited wastes shall be
transported by the owner to a sanitary disposal project licensed by the Iowa
Department of Natural Resources to accept such wastes.
C. Prohibited Wastes Described: "Prohibited wastes" includes, but is not limited to,
waste oils, lead acid batteries and tires.
D. The City of Dubuque solid waste collection service will not collect, including but
not limited to, the following materials: Industrial waste; oil soaked rags, solvents,
liquid paints, acids, chemicals, or other explosive or highly combustible or flammab le
or hazardous materials; caustics, poisons, pesticides or herbicides; radioactive or
toxic waste, biomedical waste; liquids, including motor oil; gaseous waste; septage,
raw sewage,
sludge and industrial process sludge; manure contaminated hay and straw or animal
feces unless properly bagged; carcasses, viscera, or entrails of animals, unless
properly contained, wrapped, or packaged; hot ashes; and building materials that
are not bagged.
13-6-6. VEHICLES HAULING SOLID WASTE:
A. Dropping, Sifting Or Leaking Of Load: No person shall haul any solid waste upon
the streets, alleys or public places of the city unless the vehicle used for such
purpose is so constructed or loaded or the load securely covered as to prevent any
of its load from dropping, sifting, leaking, or otherwise escaping or its load covering
from dropping from the vehicle, except that materials may be dropped for the
purpose of securing traction, or water or other substance may be applied on a
roadway in cleaning or maintaining such roadway.
B. Sanitary Condition: All vehicles, containers and dumpsters used for the collection
and removal of solid waste shall be kept in a clean, inoffensive, and sanitary
condition. All solid waste shall be handled in such a way as to prevent the scattering,
spilling or leakage of same.
13-6-7. USE OF STATE APPROVED DUMP SITE OR DISPOSAL PROJECT:
A. State Licensed Project: No person shall haul or cause to be hauled any solid waste
to any sanitary disposal project, dump site or any other area unless such disposal
project, dump site or other area is licensed by and in full compliance with all
regulations in the state in which it is located.
B. Filling Or Excavating; Permit Required: No person shall use dirt, stone, brick,
concrete or similar inorganic material for fill, landscaping, excavation or grading
without first obtaining a building permit, if required by other provisions of this code,
and only in conformance with all provisions of the zoning and subdivision ordinances
of this code.
ARTICLE A. CITY OR PRIVATE COLLECTION SERVICE 13 -6A-1: CITY MANAGER'S
AUTHORITY GENERALLY:
The City Manager, or designee, is hereby authorized and directed to employ City owned
vehicles and equipment and the necessary operating personnel to collect refuse,
recyclable materials, organic waste, and bulky items and to collect fees and administer
the program as provided for in this article in the City, upon the terms and conditions of
this article.
13-6A-2: AVAILABILITY OF COLLECTION SERVICE:
A. Collection service is provided within to City residents and businesses as described
in this Chapter. The City Manager may consider requests for service outside of city
limits, at the City Manager's sole discretion.
B. Class I Premises: City solid waste collection services shall be mandatory.
C. Class II Premises: Class II premises not serviced by City solid waste collection
services may apply to the City Manager for such collection services.
D. Class III Premises: Class III premises not serviced by City solid waste collection
services may apply to the City Manager for such collection services.
E. Recycling Services: Class II premises not serviced by City solid waste collection
services and Class III premises may apply to the City Manager for such recycling
services.
F. Refusal Of Service: The City Manager may refuse solid waste collection services
or recycling services because of quantities or characteristics beyond the capacity or
capability to be handled efficiently or safely by City personnel and equipment.
13-6A-3: REFUSE COLLECTION SERVICE:
A. All City of Dubuque solid waste customers shall use a city-issued cart for collection.
The base rate gives access to a 35-gallon tipper cart for weekly refuse collection.
B. In cases where a customer may choose multiple refuse carts or a cart larger than
the base rate 35-gallon cart, the customer may choose from three additional cart
sizes of forty-eight (48), sixty-four (64), or ninety-six (96) gallons.
C. Excess Refuse: Official City of Dubuque single-use refuse stickers shall be applied
to each additional standard 35-gallon bag or small item (not exceeding 3 feet by 2
feet or heavier than 40 pounds) which does not fit in the subscribed cart.
D. Electronics or items larger than 3 feet by 2 feet or heavier than 40 pounds must
be scheduled as a bulky item pick-up.
E. The City Manager may require additional cart capacity if the subscribed cart is
insufficient. The City shall notify the applicable account holder in writing of the
additional capacity requirement, deliver the larger cart, and adjust the monthly bill.
F. All refuse placed into City-issued carts must be in tied bags.
G. Except for Class II premises, biomedical waste shall be placed in suitable
containers separately from all other solid waste. Sharp objects, such as hypodermic
needles, syringes, and lancets, shall be securely contained in hard plastic or metal
disposable containers with screw-on or tightly secured lids for collection. Other
biomedical waste, such as soiled bandages, disposable sheets, and medical gloves,
shall be placed in thick disposable plastic bags or shall be double -bagged.
H. Glass and similar materials shall be placed in puncture-resistant boxes and
securely closed.
13-6A-4: RECYCLING COLLECTION SERVICE:
A. One City owned curbside recycling container shall be provided by the City to each
dwelling for the collection of recyclable materials. If additional recycling capacity is
needed, a second container may be issued.
B. The following types of solid waste are curbside recyclable materials: Rigid plastics
with a recycling symbol between #1 – 5, Paper/cardboard/newspaper, and metal
materials (such as cans, clean foil, pans).
C. When a customer’s recycling container is frequently contaminated with
nonrecyclable material and violations persist, the City may remove the container
and stop the weekly collection.
13-6A-5: ORGANIC WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE:
A. All organic waste shall be separated from all other solid waste and shall be
composted on the premises or placed in organic collection containers for collection.
B. Any premises composting on site shall maintain all compost piles in accordance
with Title 6, Chapter 4 of this Code.
C. Organic waste shall be collected according to the schedule established by the City
Manager.
D. The following materials may be collected curbside: branches and tree limbs - less
than 5 feet long (must be bundled), flowers and potted plants (no pots), food scraps
- fruit and vegetables, peels, pits, coffee grounds, eggshells, bread and grain
products, grass clippings, leaves, plants, weeds, brush, natural Christmas trees,
bones, dairy products, meat, poultry, fish, and non -wax coated paper products.
E. Preparation Of Organic Waste: Organic waste collected by the City shall be placed
in biodegradable paper bags no more than 35-gallons, bundled branches, privately
owned 35-gallon containers, subscribed city-issued 64-gallon organic waste carts,
or subscribed city issued 13-gallon organic waste carts.
F. Organic waste set-out in a biodegradable paper bag requires single use stickers.
The bags shall be no more than 35-gallon capacity, minimum two-ply weatherized
material, and designed for yard waste collection capacity.
G. Disposable organic waste bags shall not exceed 40 pounds without tearing or
falling apart. Cardboard boxes or plastic bags shall not be used for organic waste
collection.
H. Organic waste set out in privately owned 35-gallon cans require a single-use yard
waste sticker or an annual decal.
13-6A-6: BULKY ITEM COLLECTION SERVICE:
A. No person shall place bulky items that are larger than 3 feet by 2 feet in diameter
or weigh over 40 pounds out for collection except in accordance with the provisions
of this chapter.
B. Premises receiving City solid waste collection service are eligible to set out bulky
items for collection provided the customer schedules in advance of their collection.
Items which are placed out for collection which have not been previously scheduled
for collection will not be collected and the property owner shall be responsible for
their removal.
13-6A-7: FREQUENCY, TIME, AND AREAS OF COLLECTION:
A. Frequency And Time Of Collection: Collections shall be made not more than once
weekly at such time and in such areas of the City as shall be determined and set
out in schedules prepared by the City Manager in accordance with the provisions of
this article. All collections shall be made between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 9:00
P.M.
B. Collection Schedule: The collection schedule shall not include official City holidays
unless otherwise determined by the City Manager. However, a Saturday may be
substituted as the collection day to replace the collection which would otherwise be
made on the day of the week the holiday occurs.
C. Authority To Change Schedule: The City Manager is hereby authorized and
empowered to change or amend the collection schedules from time to time as the
City Manager may deem necessary.
13-6A-8: STORAGE, CONTAINMENT, AND SET-OUT LOCATIONS OF SOLID WASTE:
A. Alleys: Where collections are made from alleys, solid waste containers shall be
placed in one location for each dwelling, in clear view and at the owner's property
line abutting the alley and on the days designated.
B. Streets: Where collections are made from the street, solid waste containers shall
be placed in one location for each dwelling, in clear view and in the street right -of-
way on the owner's property side of the curb and on the days designated in said
schedule. Such containers shall be placed so as not to interfere with vehicular and
pedestrian traffic and when emptied shall be promptly removed by the owner.
C. Time Limit For Placement Of Containers On Streets: No person shall place solid
waste or recycling at the street for collection more than 24 hours before the
scheduled collection day. No person shall leave solid waste containers or recycling
containers at the street for more than 24 hours after the scheduled collection day.
All solid waste shall be placed at the designated collection location for City collection
by 6:00 A.M. on the scheduled collection day.
D. Duty When Solid Waste Not Collected: Any solid waste not in compliance with this
chapter shall not be collected by the City and shall be removed by the owner within
24 hours after the scheduled collection day and stored in such a manner as not to
create a health, safety, or fire hazard.
E. Solid waste collection containers stored in the right-of-way for longer than 24 hours
after the scheduled collection day may be subject to removal at the property owner's
expense.
F. The City may make exceptions for the storage and set out of solid waste containers
for elderly or disabled persons upon application to the Public Works Department.
G. On collection days, solid waste containers shall be placed in plain view at a point
within two feet of the curb or alley line.
H. If a customer would like to change the location of the normal set-out for collection,
it must be approved by the City.
I. Containers must have a two-foot radius around each container, and the lid of the
container must open toward the street or alley.
J. Material not intended for collection shall not be kept on or near the curb or alley
line. The city shall not be responsible for any material so placed which is collected
for disposal.
13-6A-9: OWNERSHIP OF MATERIALS; UNAUTHORIZED COLLECTING
PROHIBITED:
From the time of placement for collection as provided in section 13-6A-8 of this article,
all solid waste and recyclable materials and recycling containers which meet the
requirements of this chapter placed for collection by the City shall become and be the
property of the City and it shall be a violation of this section for any person other than
authorized personnel of the City to collect, pick up, or cause to be collected or picked
up, any such materials.
13-6A-10: RATES AND CHARGES ESTABLISHED; EXCEPTIONS:
A. Refuse.
1. Base Fee and Conditions: A fee of $18.11 per dwelling unit per month shall be
paid to the City by the account holder for solid waste collection services. The fee
shall be in payment for collection and disposal of one (1) 35-gallon City owned cart
per month per cart.
2. Optional Carts: The fee for a 48-gallon solid waste cart shall be $20.28per month.
The fee for a 64-gallon solid waste cart is $24.32per month per cart. The fee for a
96- gallon solid waste cart is $34.16per month per cart.
3. Alley Cart Fees: The fee for a 48-gallon solid waste cart is $18.11 per month per
cart. The fee for a 64-gallon solid waste cart is $19.60 per month per cart. The fee
for a 96-gallon solid waste cart is $28.27 per month per cart.
4. Shared Carts: In multifamily dwellings, where the property owner is the account
holder, the owner can opt to using shared 96-gallon carts. Each unit will be billed
the basic service, and the number of units will share one or more 96-gallon carts.
5. Single-use Refuse stickers: The fee for a single use refuse sticker shall be $2.00
and shall be applied to each additional standard solid waste container, bag, or
small item.
6. A fee of $20.00 shall be paid to the City for each removal of refuse containers
from the curb.
B. Recycling.
1. For Class II premises not serviced by City solid waste collection services for
recycling collection, upon approval of an application for City recycling collection a
fee of
$7.00 per month per 96-gallon container (or volume equivalence) shall be paid to
the City by the property owner of each.
2. A fee of $20.00 shall be paid to the City for each removal of recycling containers
from the curb.
C. Organic Waste.
1. The fee for single-use brush-tie shall be $1.50 each.
2. The fee for single use stickers shall be $1.50 each.
3. The fee paid to the City by a customer of record with the City for an annual yard
waste decal for a privately-owned rigid 35-gallon container shall be $40.00 each.
A decal shall only be used by the customer of record with the City who purchased
it.
4. The fee paid to the City for subscription to a 64-gallon City-issued organic waste
cart shall be $10.00 per cart per month.
5. The minimum fee paid to the City for collection of a scheduled leaf rake out is
$20.00 for a forty (40) standard leaf bag equivalent pile of leaves in the parking lane
at the curb.
3. A fee of $20.00 shall be paid to the City for each removal of organic waste
containers from the curb.
D. Bulky Waste.
1. A fee of $13.00 shall be paid by the owner for each time the service is provided for
up to the equivalent of three (3) cubic yards of solid waste.
2. An additional fee of $13.00 shall be paid for each additional three (3) cubic yards
of solid waste.
3. A fee of $6.00 shall be paid to the City for each tire.
4. A fee of $20.00 shall be paid to the City by the owner for each appliance collected
in the service (such as stoves, microwaves, dishwashers, refrigerators, and
dehumidifiers).
5. A fee of $6.00 shall be paid to the City for metal material that is larger than 2 feet
by 3 feet and or heavier than 40 pounds (such as grills, bed rails, exercise bikes).
6. A fee of $20.00 shall be paid to the City for each collection of a TV or monitor.
7. A fee of $6.00 shall be paid to the City for the collection of items with a plug in/chord
per pick-up (such as VCR's, computer tower, or computer printer), Excluding TVs
and monitors.
8. A fee of $20.00 shall be paid to the City for each collection requested by the for
service on a day not receiving weekly collection at the service address in which the
collection crew is not in that service area or is not a current weekly solid waste
customer of the City.
Service Type FY26
Rates
Refuse
35-Gallon Cart $18.11
48-Gallon Cart $20.28
64-Gallon Cart $24.32
96-Gallon Cart $34.16
48-Gallon - ALLEY CART $18.11
64-Gallon - ALLEY CART $19.60
96-Gallon - ALLEY CART $28.27
Shared Cart Fee Per Unit $18.11
Single-Use Trash Sticker $2.00
Discount for Income Eligible Customers (see Paragraph F
of Section 13-6A-F) ($9.06)
Organic Waste Annual Yard Waste Decal $40.00
64-Gallon Cart $10.00
13-Gallon Cart $1.00
Leaf Rake-Out $20.00
Yard Waste Brush Ties $1.50
Single-Use Yard Waste Sticker $1.50
Recycling Recycling Only - Residential & Commercial $7.00
Bulky Items
1 Hopper - 3 Cubic Yd of Refuse $13.00
Tire $6.00
Large Metal Material Pick-Up $6.00
Appliance $20.00
TV and Monitors $20.00
Electronic Pick-Up $6.00
Miscellaneous Off-Route/Non-Customer Fee $20.00
Right-Of-Way Removal Fee $20.00
13-6A-11: CHARGES; BILLING AND COLLECTION:
A. City Billing: The City Manager is authorized to bill tenants upon the written request
of the property owner and according to a procedure to be established by the City
Manager. The property owner in such cases shall provide any information on each
tenant's mailing address to aid in the collection of fees for City services. In all cases,
the property owner shall remain liable for the payment of all charges required by this
chapter.
B. Monthly Billing: All accounts shall be billed monthly. The payment of bills is subject
to the terms of section 13-1C-4 of this title.
C. Unpaid Billing For Class I Premises: The collection of solid waste provided Class
I premises and the maintenance of the availability of such service, whether or not
such service is used regularly or not at all by the owner of such Class I premises, is
hereby declared a benefit to said premises at least equal to the monthly charges
specified, and in case of failure to pay the monthly charge when billed as heretofore
provided, then the monthly charge shall become a lien against the property
benefited or served and shall be collected in the same manner as general Property
Taxes.
D. Certify Delinquent Accounts To County Treasurer: It is the duty of the City
Treasurer to certify the actual rates and fees plus the costs of administration to the
County Treasurer as provided in section 13 -1C-4 of this title and all such costs will
constitute a lien against said property and be collected with and in the same manner
as general Property Taxes on said property.
E. In cases of extreme financial hardship, the City may make adjustments in the
monthly collection charges as deemed appropriate. In such cases, the City may
require proof of financial status or extreme hardship, as the City may deem
necessary.
F. When resident(s) of a Class I premises meets the HUD "Section 8" guidelines for
the size of the household may, upon application to the City Manager or designee,
be exempted from one-half (1/2) the established 35-gallon refuse collection service
rate. After the initial application, annual review is required.
13-6 A-12: PRIVATE COLLECTION SERVICE:
A. License Required: No person shall engage in the business of removing or hauling
solid waste from the premises of another person without a license to do so from the
City Manager. The issuance of such license shall be in the manner prescribed and
subject to the terms of title 4, chapter 1 of this Code.
B. Application for License; Fee: Application for such license shall specify the type of
equipment and vehicles to be used, the routes to be traveled, the places to be
served and the name and residence of the applicant. Such persons shall pay, at the
Office of the City Treasurer, an annual license fee of $25.00 per year for each
vehicle engaged in such business.
C. Display of License Number on Vehicle: No person shall operate a vehicle licensed
under this section unless the license number is prominently displayed on the lower
portion of the driver's side of the windshield in clear view. Such license number shall
be affixed to the vehicle not less than five (5) days after the day of issue.
D. Separability of Provisions: It is the intention of the City Council that each
subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, and provision of this section is separable,
and if any provision is held unconstitutional or invalid for any reason, such decision
shall not affect the remainder of this section nor any part thereof other than that
affected by such decision.
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect July 1, 2025.
Passed, approved, and adopted this 28th day of April 2025.
Brad Cavanagh, Mayor
Attest: Adrienne Breitfelder, City Clerk
4. Establishing Stormwater Management Utility Rates for Fiscal Year 2026 : Motion by
Roussell to receive and file the documents and that the requirement that a proposed
ordinance be considered and voted on for passage at two Council meetings prior to the
meeting at which it is to be passed be suspended. Seconded by Wethal. Moti on carried
7-0.
Motion by Roussell for final consideration and passage of Ordinance No. 14 -25
Amending City Of Dubuque Code of Ordinances Section 13-4-5 (D) SFU Rate, Charges;
Utility Revenues. Seconded by Wethal. Motion carried 7 -0.
ORDINANCE NO. 14-25
AMENDING CITY OF DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES SECTION 13 -4-5 (D) SFU
RATE, CHARGES; UTILITY REVENUES
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. That City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances Section 13 -4-5 is amended to
read as follows:
(D) The SFU rate to be applied to residential and nonresidential properties shall be
$11.03 per SFU.
Section 2. This Ordinance shall take effect on the 1st day of July 2025.
Passed, approved and adopted this 28th day of April 2025.
Brad M. Cavanagh, Mayor
Attest: Adrienne Breitfelder, CMC City Clerk
5. Five-Year Street Construction Program for Fiscal Years 2026 – 2030: Motion by
Wethal to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 146 -25 Adopting the
Five-Year Street Construction Program for Fiscal Years 2026 - 2030. Seconded by
Sprank. Motion carried 7-0.
RESOLUTION NO. 146-25
ADOPTING THE FIVE-YEAR STREET CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM FOR FISCAL
YEARS 2026 - 2030
Whereas, a recommended Five-Year Street Construction Program for the Fiscal Year
2026 - 2030 beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2030, for the City of Dubuque
has been prepared and submitted to the City Council; and
Whereas, the Five-Year Street Construction Program: 1) describes specific capital
improvement projects; 2) provides estimated costs for those projects; 3) proposes
sources of funding; and 4) schedules the fiscal/calendar year during which each project
will be undertaken; and
Whereas, the capital improvement projects for the first year of such five -year program
are included in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget; and
Whereas, the adoption of the Five-Year Street Construction Program is a prudent
measure to provide continuity of programs and is in the best interest of the City of
Dubuque.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. That the Five-Year Street Construction Program for Fiscal Years 2026 –
2030 beginning July 1, 2025, set out in the Fiscal Years 2026 – 2030 recommended
Capital Improvement Budget, is hereby approved and adopted as the proposed allocation
of City resources for capital improvements as scheduled in the years shown, subject to
annual review and revision.
Passed, adopted and approved this 28th day of April 2025.
Brad M. Cavanagh, Mayor
Attest: Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk
6. Planning Services Department Increased Fees for Fiscal Year 2026 : Motion by
Farber to receive and file the documents and adopt Resolution No. 147 -25 Rescinding
No. 101-24, Establishing A Schedule of Development Services Fees, And Adopting in
Lieu Thereof a New Schedule of Development Services Fees as Provided in Title 16 of
the City of Dubuque Code of Ordinances, Unified Development Code. Seconded by
Sprank. Motion carried 7-0.
RESOLUTION NO. 147-25
RESCINDING NO. 101-24, ESTABLISHING A SCHEDULE OF DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES FEES, AND ADOPTING IN LIEU THEREOF A NEW SCHEDULE OF
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES FEES AS PROVIDED IN TITLE 16 OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE CODE OF ORDINANCES, UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE
Whereas, the City Council of the City of Dubuque, Iowa establishes by resolution
certain fees for development services pursuant to the Unified Development Code,
pursuant to the attached schedule of Development Services Fees for the Planning
Services Department.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
DUBUQUE, IOWA:
Section 1. Resolution No. 101-24 and its Schedule of Fees is hereby rescinded
effective July 1, 2025.
Section 2. That the attached Fee Schedule for the Planning Services Department is
hereby approved.
Section 3. That the attached Fee Schedule shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
Passed, approved and adopted this 28th day of April 2025.
Brad M. Cavanagh, Mayor
Attest: Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Cavanagh declared the meeting adjourned at
8:02 p.m.
/s/Adrienne N. Breitfelder, CMC, City Clerk